The Ultimate Banana Bread Cookies: Your New Favorite Way to Use Ripe Bananas
By Jason Griffith
We have all been there. You look at your kitchen counter and see those three bananas that have gone past the point of no return for snacking. Usually, that means it is time for my favorite chocolate chip banana bread, but sometimes you want something a little more “grab-and-go.”
Enter the Banana Bread Cookie. These are not your average crispy cookies; they are soft, pillow-like clouds of comfort that taste exactly like a slice of homemade bread but in a portable, bite-sized form.
Why I Love This Recipe
There are a few reasons why this recipe has become a staple in my kitchen:
- Texture Heaven: If you love a “muffin-top” style cookie, this is for you. They are incredibly soft and moist.
- Zero Waste: It is the perfect solution for that solitary overripe banana sitting on your counter.
- Versatility: You can keep them simple or dress them up with chocolate chips, walnuts, or a sweet vanilla glaze.
- Kid-Friendly: They are much easier for little hands to manage than a thick slice of bread.
Ingredients You’ll Need
For the Cookies:
- 1 Ripe Banana: The spottier, the better! This provides the natural sweetness and moisture.
- ½ cup Granulated Sugar: To sweeten things up.
- ¼ cup Melted Butter: Provides a rich, savory base.
- 1 cup All-Purpose Flour: The structural foundation of our cookie.
- ¼ teaspoon Baking Soda: For that perfect little lift.
- ¼ teaspoon Salt: To balance the sweetness.
- ½ teaspoon Ground Cinnamon (Optional): Adds a warm, cozy depth of flavor.
- ½ cup Mix-ins (Optional): Chopped walnuts, pecans, chocolate chips, or raisins.
For the Vanilla Glaze (Optional but Recommended):
- ½ cup Powdered Sugar
- 1–2 tablespoons Milk
- ¼ teaspoon Vanilla Extract
Swaps and Notes
- Flour: You can swap the all-purpose flour for a 1:1 gluten-free baking blend if needed.
- Sugar: For a deeper, molasses-like flavor, you can use a mix of half white sugar and half brown sugar.
- Butter: If you are looking for a dairy-free option, melted coconut oil works beautifully here.
- Banana Tip: If your banana isn’t quite ripe enough, you can roast it in the oven at 300°F (150°C) for about 15 minutes until the skin turns black. This caramelizes the sugars instantly!
Step-by-Step Instructions
Step 1: Prep the Kitchen
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a large baking sheet with parchment paper or a silicone baking mat. This is crucial because these cookies are moist and can stick to a bare pan.
Step 2: Mix the Wet Ingredients
In a large mixing bowl, mash your banana until it is smooth with very few lumps. Whisk in the melted butter and sugar until the mixture is well-combined and slightly frothy.
Step 3: Combine the Dry Ingredients
In a separate smaller bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, salt, and cinnamon.
Step 4: Create the Dough
Gradually fold the dry ingredients into the banana mixture. Be careful not to overmix; stir just until the white streaks of flour disappear. If you are using walnuts or chocolate chips, fold them in now.
Step 5: Scoop and Bake
Using a tablespoon or a small cookie scoop (similar to the one I use for these chocolate chip cookie bites), drop rounded portions onto the sheet about 2 inches apart. Bake for 10–12 minutes. The edges should be just barely golden, and the centers should feel set to a light touch.
Step 6: Cool and Glaze
Let them rest on the hot pan for 5 minutes before moving them to a wire rack. While they cool, whisk your glaze ingredients together. Once the cookies are room temperature, drizzle that sweet icing right over the top!
Tips for Success
- Don’t Overbake: These cookies don’t brown as much as a traditional chocolate chip cookie. If you wait for them to turn dark brown, they will be dry.
- Measure Flour Correctly: Use the “spoon and level” method. Packing flour into a measuring cup leads to heavy, dense cookies.
- Use Very Ripe Bananas: If the peel isn’t covered in brown spots, the banana doesn’t have enough sugar or moisture to give you that iconic “banana bread” flavor.
Serving Suggestions and Pairings
These cookies are fantastic on their own, but they also pair beautifully with:
- A Hot Cup of Coffee: The cinnamon notes shine when paired with a dark roast.
- Afternoon Tea: They are light enough for a midday snack.
- Dessert Platter: Serve them alongside these cake mix cookies for a variety of textures at your next party.
- Breakfast on the Go: Because they are so similar to muffins, I often grab one with a glass of milk, much like I do with my oatmeal breakfast cookies.
Nutritional Information (Per Cookie)
Approximate values based on 12 cookies per batch.
- Calories: 120 kcal
- Total Fat: 4g
- Carbohydrates: 19g
- Fiber: 1g
- Sugar: 11g
- Protein: 1.5g
Storage and Leftover Tips
- Room Temperature: Store in an airtight container for up to 3 days. Because of the high moisture content from the banana, I recommend placing a piece of parchment paper between layers so they don’t stick.
- Freezing: These freeze exceptionally well! Place them in a freezer-safe bag for up to 2 months. Thaw at room temperature for about 20 minutes before enjoying.
More Recipes You Will Love
If you enjoyed this fruity twist on a classic treat, you have to try these other fan favorites from the Chef Maniac kitchen:
- Classic Banana Pudding for the Whole Family
- Guilt-Free Chocolate Chip Banana Bread
- The Easiest Cake Mix Cookies Ever
Final Thoughts
Banana bread cookies are the ultimate “waste-not, want-not” recipe. They bring that nostalgic, home-cooked aroma to your kitchen in half the time it takes to bake a full loaf.
Did you try this recipe? I’d love to hear how they turned out! Did you add walnuts or keep them classic? Leave a comment below and let me know. Don’t forget to follow Chef Maniac on social media for more daily recipe inspiration!
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